Howard Kurtz Expects To Be An Independent Voice On Fox

Mediaite - blind as ever to most of Fox News' bias - just happened to score an interview with Howard Kurtz on the eve of his surprising move from CNN to Fox. In it, there's this even more surprising statement:"Kurtz said that he expects to be an independent voice on Fox and his criticism of media personalities and institutions will be as sharp as it was on CNN." Really, Mr. Kurtz?

“I think all three of the cable news networks have their strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “I’m not going to shy away from talking about that just as I have not shied away from occasionally having to critique some of my past employers.”

“Fox wouldn’t have hired me if it wasn’t interested in my independent brand of media criticism,” Kurtz noted. “So, I’m very comfortable that I’ll have the freedom to criticize anyone I need to in my new role.”

Not surprisingly, Mediaite didn't seem to find anything wrong with that picture. But any savvy Fox watcher without a desire to suck up to the "fair and balanced" network knows how very unlikely Kurtz' scenario will prove to be. As I said before, he's either shockingly naive or even more blind to what happens at Fox than the website interviewing him.

Good luck, Mr. Kurtz. I still say you'll be gone before you can utter your first "not fair and balanced." Assuming that you ever try.

From what I have seen of Kurtz on CNN he has always been an apologist for FOX. He always seemed to take their side or diminish their sins. Seems friendship with Ailes has meant he has never been fair and balanced yet anyway. Perfect fit imho.

My thoughts exactly. Kurtz will turn out to be as independent as O’Loofah. I’m still waiting for his coming down hard on right-wing websites for what they say like he promised after his 1,000th hit piece on Media Matters.

The last person who spewed this line was Glenn Beck, and we all know whathe brought to the table. And like AAP pointed out, Mediate treated him like some kind of misunderstood genius, as well.

Regarding Mediate in general, it’s soooo funny how much Fox News has to act up to get them to talk about it. When Glenn Beck was on the air actually celebrating Byron Williams, I kid you not, Mediate couldn’t decide what to make of that. It was almost funny.

Now that Jabba the Ailes is signing his paycheck, Howie will be one of those “independent” Fux Noise voices that constantly trashes President Obama and prominent Democrats. Move over Dennis Kucinich, Pat Caddell. Doug Schoen, Joe Trippi and Evan Bayh.